Calista

Calista
BURN...

My crystal blue eyes scanned the shaggy area before me. What a place... A dump, I mean. This was nothing compared to the valley and other free lands, you'de have to admit. I was born out of the valley, but taken here with my sister by our past owners. Othello, her name was. I wished I knew where she was right now. If I did, I'de certainly go search for her, and find her. My life depended upon her willingness. We were both much the same, in many ways of personality.

I sighed, a little bored. What would I do with my life now? I could devote it all to finding my sister, which it would be worth it in every way, but I didn't know where to start. Everything was all jumbled in my mind.
I soon slowed from my little jog and found a small cardboard box that had been toppled over on it's side. I stared at it, tilting my dial almost automatically at it. It would do. The thing looked pretty safe. I could use it as a shelter for now.
Yawning, I eased my way over and into it. It was a bit soggy and damp from the past shower, but I was tired from wandering and was a bit sleepy. Groggy would be a better term for it. I curled up within the perimeters while also making sure I didn't cause it to fall over with my movements. I finally managed to get a good position and laid down, my banner being neatly tucked in against my somewhat "folded" limbs. I then snorted, scenting hybrid and wolf, and rested my dial on one of my forelegs. I stared out blankly at the surroundings I could see, feeling my eyelids begin to lower. Geeze, I couldn't wait until I was asleep; this was such a lousy day, with the earlier rain and all.

CALISTA
Border Collie
Female
I am a unique canine; my pelt is blue merle. It's all "blue" with black splotches everywhere. I have a white strip, which runs up from my completely white muzzle, over my head and between my ears. My chest and belly are white, with a bit mixed in with the merle. My pelt is glossy and the colors gleam. My eyes are crystal blue; they seem clear but are still have a tint of light blue. My limbs are long and quick, enabling my to cover very long distances in little timing, without tiring too fast. My heritage also accompanies that. I have a nice slim build, with a thick scruff and well-shaped fae body.

Black Feather & Ninaki

As Calista made her way through the Alleys, her trek was closely monitored by a pair of gold-red eyes. Flying so high that he appeared as a speck to a canine, if even that, his shadow didn't betray his presence. When the collie disappeared into the box, the peregrine falcon stooped down and dove for the Aegis Den. Mo< Several minutes later, a lanky hybrid came padding quietly down the alleyway where Calista was resting in the box. His coat was dark brown and black, with gold-speckled eyes that looked more forlorn and mournful than anything. Swooping low behind him was Black Feather, the falcon that had tracked Calista's progress through the Lurker's domain. Her coordinates had already been given to Ninaki.

The beta hybrid approached Calista's box, his nose working to learn what he could of her from scent. After a moment, he gave a low, gruff bark. "Come out. You are in the Lurker's domain."

Calista

I stirred in the box, and lifted my dial as I heard a voice. I hadn't even gotten to sleep a wink yet. Growling angrily, I stepped out, the fur on my back raising. My banner and dial were lowered, but in an aggrissive way. I was in no mood now to put up with nonsense from some unlikely hybrid. I growled louder, my eyes holding a firey fury.
"Well exuse me!" I said in a sassy voice, "But this happens to be where I traveled, and I don't plan on stayin' or leavin'!' I stated, my voice rather loud. I wasn't feeling well today; I didn't know why, either. I was just angered and that was it.

I wasn't fearful of the multicolored hybrid; he was just another canine to push past. I wasn't in a happy mood at all, and would beat someone up if they happened to anger me past my limits. I glared straight at him, breathing slowly and quietly. My eyes showed much of my sleepy and restless fury.

Black Feather & Ninaki

Black Feather sailed down and alighted on the ground a few paces from his hybrid friend. Sharp eyes peered intently at Calista as he took in her reactions. In the past, he may have been lenient, but not now. Not after all the deaths and suffering he had to endure at the fangs of enemies and strangers. No risk would be afforded to his Lurker family, at the sake of being 'nice' to this fae. "You happen to be in my territory. The territory of the Shadow Lurkers." The hybrid's hackles rose like hundereds of little needle-points lining his neck and back. His face crinkled up as he bore his keen fangs and narrowed his eyes. His tail was held up high and stiff, "You'll tell me your business for being here, or you'll be taken prisoner."

Black Feather took a few wadling steps closer, wings held slightly away from his body as he readied for flight. If Ninaki got into a scrape with this female, he'd fly for assistance.

Calista

I continued to glare at him, baring my fangs now. I growled even louder, knowing I could outrun him any time.
"How about you back off and let me do as I please? Not too smart, now are you?" I stated in a sly yet sassy voice still. I didn't care what anyone did anymore. My sister could come and rescue me if she found out what happened. We were like two peas in a pod. We worked well together, and if one was in trouble, the other would come to the rescue. Not that I am weak, but I am tired and want rest.
"I certainly didn't come here to be bothered by some stranger." I then stated angrily, raising my banner higher, my jaws clamped shut. If anyone got hurt, it would be his fault.
I turned my eyes to look at the bird.
"Back off, feather duster!" I said, auds flat. I could be stubborn sometimes, but this time it was for good enough reason. I turned slowly, ready to leave, but keeping my hardening eyes on the hybrid all the while.

Black Feather & Ninaki

Ninaki gave a flick of his ear in the falcon's direction as a growl reverberated in his throat. Black Feather launched into the sky, giving Calista a fierce, penetrating look. Fleet and quick on wing, it wasn't long before the bird was out of site.

"I didn't come here for an arguement." Ninaki shot back. "You've pushed too far, stranger. Disrespect won't be tolerated." Raising her tail was, in Ninaki's eyes, a direct challenge to his authority and a severe show of disrespect to his pack. Pride was strong with the Lurkers.

Ninaki remained planted, although tense, as Calista began to turn. His eyes were locked on her's, refusing to let this incedent go unpunished. Without word to signal it, the beta Lurker plunged forward, his head low. He figured he'd be met with fangs, but it wasn't the first time he'd felt such pain. Far from it.

Ninaki struck the ground with his paws again, just before he would have reached his quarry. In a last second decision, he turned his body slightly and propelled it forward towards the uncooperative collie, attempting to slam his shoulder and side into her and send her to the ground.

Calista

I continued to move. I had a little plan. And he had just done exactly what I thought he'de do. As he came toward me, I caught the glimpse of him in the corner of my eye. I was prepared. With a vicious snarl, I whipped around once he landed near me. My eyes were quick to see what he was doing and my body was just as quick to react. Mo< Noticing his body turn a bit, I got my entire body and rammed into him at the same time, while also directing my cunning jaws to slam straight to his dial and clamp onto his muzzle or ear; whichever was easier to catch.

I got no recoil from my hit and then took off at a burst of speed,
"Just try to catch me, hybrid! Do and die! I'll bash your maw in! You won't be able to tell where your muzzle begins and head ends!" I snarled back, my legs propelling me to my fastest speed. I was a quick and agile Border collie; bred for the cunning moves of agility. I looked like a bullet dashing over the ground, straight out of the alley. I then turned down another, and headed right into the darkest area of shadows. I stopped there, and ducked down onto my belly. I waited there, to see if he had followed or not. If he did, he was in for something.
I usually wasn't so hostile, but he had pushed my anger past the limits.

Hydras, Skeil, & Pirqua

"Over here! Over here!" Another voice cried, high and sharp. A second falcon appeared, her voices carrying shrill in the air, "In the shadows, this way!" She had taken high to the sky when she spotted the collie, her mate, and Ninaki. Now she came closer to the earth, leading two of her friends to Calista's location.

Hydras charged down the grimy passageways, knowing the area like the back of her paw. Her dark eyes flared with anger as she turned down the last alley to where Pirqua had led her; although now, she could scent Calista. It took only a moment for her orbs to adjust themselves to the shadows and for the collie's form to be seen. "It sounds like you've been causing my friend some trouble." The alphess stated, padding briskly towards the smaller creature. Her tri-colored ruff was expanded fully, framing her long, regal head and muzzle with an impressive mane of fur. Her feathered tail was held high as well, curled just a touch at the tip. "You'll submit to me at once. Hydras, the alpha of these lands."

A pit bull came shortly after Hydras. Her coarse, short fur was bristled along her back and her fangs were bared faintly. Skeil took her place beside Hydras.

Pirqua landed on a lamp post above the group.

Black Feather & Ninaki

Black Feather wheeled overhead now, rising higher and higher as he scanned the surrounding alleyways to be sure there was no ambush awaiting his family.

Ninaki bolted after the fae, snarling curses as he went. Droplets of blood were flung this way and that as he ran, oozing from his torn ear where Calista's fangs had done their damage. It was not a serious wound of course, but there would now be a permanent tear in his ear. A permanent reminder of Calista's placement with the Lurkers. Enemy.

Ninaki charged down the dark alleyway, coming to a halt to the other side of Hydras with his head held a bit lower than her's. "Insubordinant! She attacked me!" The beta snarled, tail cricked.

Satan

The wolf had been searching for his Alphess when he had indeed heard the growls. He had confronted a trespasser along with Ankh and Aaka and had said he would take her and her pup to see the alphess as they wished to reside with the pack. However now this was not on his mind. As he navigated the maze of alleyways, he heard the growls and curses form Ninaki and followed the Beta to come upon the scene. It seemed their was a canine that had attacked a lurker, Ninaki. That automatically branded Calista an Enemy. The wolf came upon the scene with a growl. He was lower in stance than all of the canines that were here from the Lurker pack, but he was pretty high and his body language signalled this, without going over his rank. He came up along-side Ninaki and with a quick nod of the head to each, Skeil, Hydras and Ninaki, the wolfs attention turned to Calista. He bared his fangs and tucked his neck incase she tried anything, which he doubted she would.

He hoped Fanta and Patch had followed, This was their chance to talk to Hydras, but first the Lurkers had to sort out this problem, but it shouldnt take too long...

Calista

I stood in the shadows, only stepping out of them when the new canines appeared. And then another bird. What was this place? No wonder it reeked of a mixed stench. Not only humans and trash, either.

I stared straight at them, rolling my eyes.
"I don't care who you are. Is it against the law to go wherever you please, and in human lands? I don't think so!" I stated hastily, my eyes holding fury. I sat back on my haunches lightly, not fearing these others, one which claimed to be the alphess of a two-legged area. Must not be too smart, then.
"Why don't you go and get yourself a real territory? Not a human-supplied one." I then asked, keeping my voice. Half was serious and the rest wasn't so serious.

My "haunting" crystal blue eyes then turned to the hybrid who had made the first move, and I growled, "You asked for it! You came after me first, when I deliberatly turned to be on my way." I then stated, knowing my limits pretty well. I only attack when the other attacks. In this case, he not only got on my nerves, but also just dived in. It was his fault, in my eyes. And then he goes and calls his family to the rescue.
Low... I thought silently to myself, muscles tense and ready to spring me out of this mess. Part of the stuff I am thinking may or may not be true, but it's all I know so far, and as far as my terms go, it's true.

Hydras, Skeil, & Pirqua

She spared Satan a brief glance to acknowledge his presence. A very trustworthy member, he was proving to be. The alphess then turned blazing eyes to the collies and growled darkly, "As a matter of fact, it is a law here. This happens to be our domain, which you so blatently trespassed into. If you had simply submitted and cooperated, you wouldn't have gotten attacked. Easy, huh?" Hydras moved closer, her ears pressed forward in direct threat to the collie, "Now, you'll submit fully to me and answer my questions. Go it?"

Skeil nodded to Satan when he arrived, then looked back to Calista. Every now and then, they'd run into a dog that caused trouble. As Hydras moved forward, the pit bull did too, closing ranks around the dog to help confine her and make it harder for escape.

Calista

I chuckled, my eyes sizing her up.
"If you were smart at all, you'de know that there are no laws when it comes to human lands. You got that? And if that filth of a hybrid had been taught anything, he'de be smart enough to know that you don't attack someone when they are leaving, when that's what you want them to do. Got it?" I then spat back, glaring straight at the "alphess." I took a step forward, baring my fangs, fur raising along my neck and back; even my tail.
"I'll submit to no one that isn't a true alpha. I'll not stoop to one's level that lives in a maze of dirty alleys. I'm not nearly that crazy." I then spat. I eyed the canine there and then wheeled around, into the darkness without warning. I began to dash around blindly, without running into any walls. I would trick them. Size meant nothing when it came to quickness. I would simply outrun them. I growled like a savage as I ran astray, farther and farther away. I had a plan. Whether or not it worked out well would determine many things.

Hydras, Skeil, & Pirqua

"Is it not strange that we find you in a place you seem to despise so much?" Hydras barked as the collie took off and took off swiftly after her. She was large, but not exceedingly so; and had the speed the wolf, for her blood ran thick with the wild strain. Her greatest advantages, however, were her aerial eyes and extensive knowledge of the Alleys. Signaling her pack to follow, Hydras led them into a chase.

Skeil was not nearly as quick as Calista, Hydras, or the others. Her legs were shorter and more thickly muscled with strength then speed. Still, she didn't lag too far behind as she thundered after her alphess.

Pirqua was in the air soon, following after Calista's movements with ease. As they went, she relayed the collie's position, telling Hydras and the others exactly where the dog was headed if she ever got out of site.

Hydras kept up a swift pace, doing what she could to catch up with and overtake the tresspasser. If she ever got close enough, she would take a bite at the collie's haunches and attempt to throw her off balance. "I thought your breed was known for their smarts?" She called out between breaths, "A smart collie would know when to submit and shut her trap! And a coward would turn tail and run!"

Calista

I grinned as they followed. They may be quick, but I was swift and agile with my movements. Every time the alphess would come near, I would swerve off to the side and dodge her attack attempts.
"And I thought the junk you found in alleys was called alley trash! The name suits you perfectly!" I shouted back, auds careful to listen for any noises behind or in front of me.

I continued to lead them down deeper into the alleyway, and then, at the last minute, wheeled around and started to other way, making sure I was on the opposite side of the passage from the others. I then dashed as fast as I could, heading back the way I came. If no one was still there, I'de have no problem escaping. I could still remember the way I had came.

Extending my legs out as far as I could get them to go, I blazed along, not tired at all. I was bred for this, for the hundredth time I probably have said that, but I knew my limits. I was a smart collie, these hybrids just couldn't tell right from wrong. I was sure of it, for as far as I would let myself go.

Black Feather & Ninaki

Ninaki snarled bitterly and gave chase, pumping his legs as fast as possible to catch up. He was mostly wolf, but he too carried collie lineage in his blood. Faster and faster he ran, striving to catch up to Calista. His well defined muzzle, long and lean, stretched out before him. If he got near enough, he would try to seize one of her hind limbs.

Black Feather dove into the midsts of the alleyways. Being a third the size of his mate, and with short, broad winds, he was an acrobatic flyer. He kept right up with the collie as she went, and dove down now and then to try and scathe her head and back with his talons. However, he used caution. He didn't want to end up like his daughter, having only one leg.

Satan and Vitani

As soon as the words about Hydras not being a true alphess left Calistas mouth, the wolf closed in, growling deeply with his fangs bared. Soon the dog had taken off with Hydras and the others close behind. However the dog had mistaken the Lurkers, They weren't feared for their shear brute strength but for their wit and cunning and abilty to take others down with mind and well as body. Satan sent out a howl to his daughter and soon they were off. The two wolves went down a seperate alley to the ones where Hydras had gone after the target and keeping track of Calistas position was easy with the falcons and so the wolves took a different route. And without warning they came in front of the dog as she attempted to ditch Hydras in her own terratory. That was impossible. As Hydras came up behind the dog, Satan and Vitani came in front. This dog should have known one thing before stepping paw into these lands. Never mess with the Shadow Lurkers.

Calista

I continued to move onward, until two more figures happened to be in front of me. I had two options I could think of: ram into them and knock them out of the way, or simply wheel around them. I could try both, if things worked out here.

Lowering my dial as much as I could and making my legs go even faster yet, I charged for the two in front of me. They were only standing there, and I was running like a rabid bull, straight at them.
Snarling, I readied my body to clash right into them. Right before meeting their own forms, I gave a small but power-filled leap at them, while then raising my head after the moment I would and probably did hit them, to try and slash at the nearest one with my sharp fangs.

I wasn't nearly that easy to get. They may think they were strong, but stupidity doesn't make up for the wits they didn't seem to even pocess.

Hydras, Skeil, Bullet, Pirqua, & Mesa

By now, Mesa had found Bullet. The falcon had known what was going on after seeing her parents wheel through the sky as they tracted the collie. Bullet had been searching in vain for Sasha when Mesa came to him, warning him of trouble. At first he followed the swift-winged creature, and then he could hear Satan's howl.

Also knowing these alleys well, he took a detour and quickly came upon the scene as Satan and Vitani were being attacked by Calista. Normally, Bullet was an easy-going, mellow hybrid. He even tended to side with the less-fortunate of the trespassers, so long as they weren't an obvious threat to his pack. But when he saw her attack his fellow members, Bullet was enraged. Picking up a quick pace, he charged straight for Calista, aiming to catch her as soon as she landed from her initial leap. He didn't care where he caught her, if he even managed too; but if he got a hold, he'd keep it.

Hydras stayed right with Calista, while Skeil began to fall back, despite her best efforts. The alphess became more hostile as she saw the collie's attack on Vatani and Satan. Still she ran, with all her might, snapping at the fleeing dog.

Calista

Well, this told me something. They must be too weak to fight off another canine alone, so they get everyone to ambush. Weaklings... I wasn't about to let them bring me down.

I caught sight of the oncoming hybrid as he charged me, and I cunningly flung my hind end around to meet Bullet with opened welcoming jaws lined with teeth. I immedietly went to lock with him, while also moving my rear in a different direction; the way to freedom. I was full of tricks... And nobody here knew it.

I began to viciously thrash my dial around, trying to slash him all up. I would show no pity for anyone-- or anything-- here if someone happened to get hurt.
I tried to avoid the alphess' snapping jaws as I moved around, using my agility more than anything.
Lesson number one: Never push an angry fae(such as me) past her limits. The outcome won't be pretty...

Hydras, Skeil, Bullet, Pirqua, & Mesa

Bullet met her fang-for-fang; he wasn't a Shadow Lurker for nothing. Passive nature aside, he was a fighting machine when it came to it. Attempting to use his greater size to an advantage, the hybrid opened his jaws wide and bit for her jaw or face, trying to seize hold of flesh. If he managed this, he wouldn't be letting go.

Hydras took this opportunity to leap past her brother as he fought with Calista, effectively getting in the way of her immediate escape rought. Then she too went in for the attack, fangs aimed for slashing wounds across the collie's flanks.

Skeil rushed into the group, heading for the collie to join in on the attack.

Now that the enemy wasn't running away, Pirqua dove for her. Gaining a hefty speed, she aimed for the back of Calista's neck, trying to bury her curved talons into the flesh and tear at her with her beak. If she reached this position, Calista would only be able to reach her with paws.

Calista

Eyeing all the canines, I immedietly shifted my jaws each time my main attacker did.
"Feel this!" I shouted as I released and then went in for a snap at his throat, then backed away. But as I backed away, I felt fangs dig across my flanks. Those rotten--!
I snarled, and flung my dial backward to try and scrape the next attacker with my fangs, before she moved. Then, I happened to hear wings from above me and knew what it was. Almost automatically, I hopped upward and tried to catch the bird in my jaws. Right after that, without waiting or thinking, I went for the smaller canine. Small enough for me to give a few good scratches to. I growled loudly and dive in, aiming to catch him by the shoulder. If I succeeded, I began thrashing my dial around, wanting to rip flesh.

Satan and Vitani

Satans shoulder was clipped by Calistas fangs but nothing too major was inflicted, just a scratch on the surface. Bullet was met fang for fang by the dog. As Hydras and Skeil went for the collie, so did Satan. The wolf went for her spinal area - upperback and neck, anywhere he could grab. Vitani went for the hindquaters or back legs, trying to disable the collie to prevent escape.

Black Feather & Ninaki

Ninaki didn't relent in his attack; no longer did he want to see Calista submit, he wanted her dead. He jumped for the collie, full on, trying to snag her shoulder in his curved canines.

Black Feather pulled back as his mate dove to attack. He wheeled in the sky a moment before lifting higher into the sky, flying in giant archs. If any other Lurkers were about, hopefully they'd see his signalling. If they didn't already hear the fighting. Then he too dove, claws stretched out to rake over Calista's back.

Calista

I lowered my body, my belly touching the ground so the other two wolves missed. If I was ever going to die, it certainly wasn't going to be here of all places.

I snarled savagely, still snapping at Skeil. But then I moved, but was snagged by my original attacker, on the belly. Luckily, that wasn't an area that was easy to keep hold of. I dashed away, out of the mess. My first instinct was to get out of there.

I turned and headed straight for the end of the alleyway. Freedom! I looked around making sure no one was ahead of me. This place was full of tricky things, and I wasn't about to get stubbed again. Barking loudly, I turned a corner and continued going, seeing a way out not too much farther away. My legs were pushing me with everything I had as I went, my eyes widening, my heart pumping adrenaline through my veins, which only made me move faster, luckily.

Fallen

At the so called exit, a black she wolf stood and growled. She lowered herself ready to catch the intruder. Unlike most of the others, she was much quieter. But despite being lowest in rank, she would fight till death. Fangs opened and waited for the fea to come at her.